Sorry if I'm the only person who's confused about Canonical's mobile Linux strategy. The company has at least two Ubuntu software projects -- one for Netbooks, the other for Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) -- that sound strikingly similar. So what's the difference between Ubuntu for Netbooks and Ubuntu for MIDs? Canonical gave me some answers during OSCON 2008.

Here's a simple way to think of each project, according to Canonical marketing manager Gerry Carr:

Ubuntu Netbook Remix is designed for sub-notebooks. The devices are close in design to notebook computers, and are meant to be secondary PCs for mobile applications -- such as checking email, Twitter and other Web 2.0 applications during a quick stop at Starbucks or a WiFi hotspot. Netbooks are expected to debut later this year at all major computer retailers, and will cost about $300 to $500, predicts Carr. Two major global manufacturers have already agreed to ship Netbook devices, though Carr declined to mention the companies by name.

Ubuntu for Mobile Internet Devices (MID) is designed for computers that are close to smart phones in design. MID devices are expected to have touch screens -- similar to the iPhone -- and may also have similar characteristics to forthcoming Google Android devices. In some cases, MIDs may be free devices that consumers receive as part of a wireless Internet service plan, predicts Carr.

So, which is the bigger priority at Canonical: MID devices or Netbooks? Both are big opportunities, according to Carr, but Netbooks are higher priority because the hardware platform is already well-understood by potential customers. Indeed, the Asus Eee PC has helped to define the sub-notebook market.

Discuss this Article 12

The cellphone user number (Gartner) is totally wrong. I don't know what number was quoted to get that 2009 number.

End of 2006, worldwide, total cellphone user base (installed base, subscribers) was 2.7 billion users (source: Informa). This will be more than 3 billion globally end of 2007

The total sales of cellphones last year was about 950 million, expected to be over a billion this year.

Also - if your readers want to read the real number crunching and business model of how Apple has to do in each of its markets - North America, Europe and Asia - and what level of sales per each quarter from now to then, as a benchmark to see if they are on target to hit 10 million, see my blog where this analysis is provided at

[...] Ubuntu Netbook vs. Ubuntu Mobile Internet Devices: What#8217;s the Difference? Posted in July 24th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri in rss Canonical is working on at least two mobile Linux projects. One called Ubuntu Netbook Remix, the other called Ubuntu for Mobile Internet Devices. So what's the difference between the two? Glad you asked. Gerry Carr, marketing manager for Canonical, described each platform during a meeting at OSCON. Here are the details. [...]

the difference is the gui.
* ubuntu mobile is basically a port of the memo interface which is used on the nokia n series. this interface is designed for a touch screen.
* ubuntu netbook remix is more or less a standard gnome with a different launcher, you can start with a standard gnome and add the applets to turn it into the netbook remix gui.

I thought that Ubuntu Mobile was built on Clutter, not Maemo.
While the Nokia N-series is great, it's not quite the same thing as a "Mobile Internet Device". OK, it's mincing words cause Nokia N-Series are mobile and they do support Internet, but not "Mobile Internet" ie GSM, 3G, or WiMAX.
Also the Maemo interface is stylus-driven while the Ubuntu MID seems to be the next-generation touchscreen a la iPhone/iTouch.
-Josh